Importance of census topic of chamber luncheon

Carletta Singleton

Carletta Singleton from the U.S. Census Regional Bureau Office in Atlanta gave a presentation entitled “Everyone Counts” focusing on importance of the 2020 Census to Shelby County and all of its communities at the May 2 Shelby Chamber Connections Luncheon.

The 2020 census was the topic of discussion at Thursday’s Shelby County Chamber Connections Luncheon held at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana.

Carletta Singleton from the U.S. Census Regional Bureau Office in Atlanta gave a presentation entitled “Everyone Counts” focusing on importance of the 2020 Census to Shelby County and all of its communities.

Singleton said Alabama is one of seven states in the Southern region that include Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. Alabama is the only state in the region expected to lose a congressional seat, she said.

“The goal of the 2020 census is to count everyone once, only once and in the right place,” Singleton said. It’s a call to order to get people invigorated across the state to take note of the census this time around.”

Checking and verifying begins this August and an accurate count is necessary in getting the appropriated federal dollars to come back to the state. Each person left uncounted costs the state approximately $1,600.

In order to motivate people to respond, every household will have the option of responding to the 2020 census online, by mail or by phone. Those who do not complete their census electronically will still receive a paper form. Ninety five percent of households will receive their census invitation in the mail. This is the first year an online option is available.

“People asked for this in 2010, so we will find out how ready we are for it,” Singleton said. “People put their personal information on the internet all the time, but for some reason when it comes to giving it to the federal government or filling out taxes, it’s not something everyone feels comfortable doing, but we will be using the most secure technology.”

Singleton said that people should not be worried about privacy and confidentiality. Government workers cannot share data between branches, and if an employee tampers with any information, it’s a federal offense.

“Census workers will never ask for a Social Security Number, bank account information, donations, PIN codes or passwords.”

Shelby Chamber president Kirk Mancer said, “Shelby County and the Shelby County Chamber are taking an active role in making sure that all of our citizens throughout Shelby County take the time to participate in the 2020 census. Ensuring that we count everyone once, and only once, and in the right place, ensures Shelby County and our communities receive the proper distribution of federal funds, reduce the chances of Alabama losing a congressional district, and much more.”

Census data is used in many ways, including transportation, healthcare and education. Singleton said it determines where the people are, what services they may need and even what retail companies come to an area. Social service programs include insurance, special education, foster care support, school nutrition and more. Other services that use census numbers are housing assistance, government programs services and emergency response.

Shelby County has set a goal of a 90% response rate. In 2000, there was a 74% response and increased to 80% in 2010.

“Governor Ivey is working diligently to protect the congressional seat,” Singleton said. “Is it reachable? Maybe, but it’s worth the effort to try. Ultimately, the success of the 2020 census depends on everyone’s participation.”

This year will be the education phase, followed by the awareness phase during January and February 2020, a motivation phase between March and May, Census Day April 1, a reminder phase from May to July and a thank you phase beginning in July. Once the data is collected, a report population will be sent to the President on December 31, 2020.